Isle soldier and neighbors
help save Aiea man
from house fire

Neighbors, in particular a local soldier, are credited for helping to save the life of an invalid Aiea man, who was trapped in his house during a kitchen fire yesterday morning.

The fire at the home of Frank and Vernette Oliveira was reported at 8:56 a.m. Neighbor Orlino Elvenia said he was backing out of his driveway across the street from the home at 99-252 Ohialomi Place with his sister when she noticed the smoke coming out of the kitchen.

"I told my sister to call 911," said Elvenia. "Right then, Mrs. Oliveira came home."

"She was panicked, she opened the kitchen door and was yelling, 'Come inside! Help me, help me!'"

Elvenia said he went inside the kitchen and tried to get Frank Oliveira out of the house but could not budge him. Neighbors said Oliveira, 57, had been recovering from brain surgery and weighs nearly 200 pounds.

"I grabbed him, but I couldn't pull him out myself. He was too heavy," said 66-year-old Elvenia. "And the heat was so hot I couldn't stay. ... I got burned on my left arm.

"That's when the neighbors came, a soldier and another guy."

The soldier was identified as Army Cpl. Eldred Dioquino. He was visiting relatives nearby when he saw the smoke coming from the Oliveira house. Fire Capt. Lee Muller said even though his fire crew got to the house four minutes of the alarm, Dioquino was already inside to do two things at once.

"He was trying to shoot water with a garden hose at the fire and carry Mr. Oliveira out of the kitchen," Muller said. "Afterwards, we looked at the damage and the stove was completely burned, as well as the microwave and the cabinets above, too.

"I'm certain it would have gotten out of hand if not for Mr. Dioquino."

Both Oliveiras were by ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center and treated for smoke inhalation. Both were released in good condition, according to police. Elvenia was also treated for a burn to his left arm.

Muller said fire investigators are still looking into the cause of the fire and do not have a damage estimate. In the meantime, HFD will likely recognize the bravery of Dioquino and others who helped save Oliveira's life.

"He's probably going to get a commendation," Muller said.